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1. Resolved, By the Select and Common Councils, that Samuel Hains and David McClure be appointed to make a survey of the river Schuylkill from Fair Mount to its mouth, with a plan there .f, and report the same to Councils; the expenses thercol to be charged to appropriation No. 21.
2 Resolved, By the authority aforesaid, that on said report being made, the Wardens of the port be request- ed by Councils not to suffer any encroachments on said river contrary to said plan and report, until opportunity can be afforded of the Legislature acting on the subject.
To the Committee of Counc'ls appointed on the com- munication of William Rush, Esq.
Gentlemen :- The undersigned having carefully ex- amined the subject to which you had called their atten- tion, agree to report-that in their opinion regular wharf-lines, ought to be fixed on each side of the river Schuylkill, from Fair Mount to the river Delaware.
The distance between two lines, in no place to be less than five hundred feet-and that distance to be in- creased, where the average depth of the channel to hard bottom, is less than sixteen feet, so as to give in
all places a section of clear unter way, the area of which shall be at least, eight thousand square feet.
The channel between the wharf-l.nes, to be located, so as to embrace the deepest part of the river to hard bottom, w thout regard to present improvements, or deposits of soft mud, avo ding as much as possible, all crooks and turns of short radius.
L'nes for permanent bu.Id'ngs, ought also to he fix- ed on each side of the river, one hundred and fifty feet d stant, from each wharf-line, between wh ch and the wharf-line, no building, fixture, or improvement, of a permanent character to be made, that shall rise on an average higher than two feet above common high water.
In order to decide upon the best location for the channel of the river, a correct survey of its margin, with numerous and accurate sounding's to hard bottom, will be necessary.
The wharf and building lines when fixed, and estab- lished, to be recorded and known hy bearings and clis- tances taken to fixed and permanent objects, that may he at all times easily referred to.
Very respectfully, yours, &c. SAMUEL HAINS, DAVID MCCLURE.
December 19, 1831.
To the Committee of Councils, appointed on the com- munication of William Rush, Esq. on the subject of the navigation of the Schuylkill river.
Gentlemen,-In compliance with your request, I ' offer my opinion as to the most effectual manner of maintaining the navigation of the river Schuylkill, of preserving from destruct ve effects of the back water, the store houses and other improvements on its banks, and of protecting the future operations of the Water Works, at Fair Mount, which in my opinion will be destroyed if the wharves on the river should be ex- tended from the Upper Ferry to its junction with the river Delaware, agreeably to the plan which has been already adopted with the wharves recently erected.
On mature consideration of the subject, 1 beg leave to recommend that correct soundings be made of the depth of the river to hard bottom, or rock, in order to establish standard widths to be regulated in such man- ner as to give free vent to the water between the wharves which should be erected, equal in area of not less in any section of the river throughout than 7200 feet, taking as a data that the spaces to be left hetween the wharves to be erected on each side of the river shall never be less than 450 feet, and that where the river shall be found shunl by the projection of hard or rock bottom, that the distance shall be widened be- tween the wharves to be built opposite such shoal in a ratin so as to retain the required area as ahove mention- ed, which shoukl on no account be diminished.
I also recommend that with the operation of sound- ing the river, a survey be made, establishing perma- nent boundaries, or wharf lines, whereby the scites for wharves intended to be erected can be ascerta'ned and regulated suitable to the space to be retained be- tween them at any point.
In my opinion no wharves or other improvements should in future be raised higher than two feet above the established high tide plain, and that no permanent or other fixtures should be erected on any wharf at a less distance from the said I'ne than 100 feet, which added to the space of 450 feet recommended to be re- tained between the wharves, will leave together an area for the passage of ice and water in times of fresh- ets of 650 feet.
The rise of ice and water above high tide at the per- manent bridge at High street, during the freshet of 181z was 10 feet 2 inches, the water way between the wharves and piers of the High street bridge is 407 feet 10 inches; and the width between the abutments is 532 I feet 3 inches, and had it not been for the additional
6
EDUCATION.
[JANUARY
passage afforded for the ice and water over the turn- pike road on the west side of the bridge, the rise of the river would have been much greater; under these con- siderations, I am of opinion that the area for the passage of the water recommended as a standard throughout the whole section of the river cannot be too great.
The effect produced by the freshets of 1784 and 1822 leave but little doubt that much greater disasters may take place again, unless immediate and effectual means be adopted to prevent innovations on this stream, some of which it is to be regretted have already been made by extending wharves into the river from 10 to 20 feet beyond low water mark.
In order to illustrate more clearly the necessity of establishing permanent wharf-lines, I beg leave to state that on a measurement of the water space between the wharf at the foot of Cedar street on Schuylkill, and the wharf lately erected on the property of the new Alms House opposite, the distance was found to be only 405 feet, and the space, between the wharf of Messrs. Weth- erill's below Chesnut street, and the wharf opposite, measures but 366 feet, leaving only an area of water passage 5856 fcet, whilst the area between the abut- ments of High street bridge is 11,800 feet.
If the soundings of the river, and a survey of wharf- lines be established as recommended, it will enable. the Wardens of the Port to determine the locations for wharves without difficulty, and will preserve a perfect navigation, and prevent destruction by inundations, which otherwise must occur by every trifling freshet when a number of wharves shall be built according to the present regulations.
Very respectfully, your humble serv't.
FRED. GRAFF.
December 19, 1831.
GENERAL EDUCATION.
At a-very large and highly respectable meeting of citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, friendly to the promotion of General Education, held on Tuesday evening, Nov. 29, at the District Court Room, B. W. RICHARDS, Esq. Mayor of the city was called upon to preside, assisted by SAMUEL GRICE, Esq. of Kensington, and JOHN L. WOOLF, Esq. of Penn town- ship, as Vice Presidents; . JAMES PAGE, of the city, and B. MATTHIAS, of the Northern Liberties, were appoint- ed Secretaries.
The object of the meeting being stated by the Chairman, JOSEPH R. CHANDLER, Esq. offered the fol- lowing preamble and resolutions, which were unani- mously approved of:
PREAMBLE.
One of the most distinctive features of the present age, and that by which it will hereafter be most favour- .ably known, is the active spirit of improvement that seeks to meliorate the condition of every rank in life, insuring comforts to the humble, and security to the el- evated. In no way has this spirit been more benefi- cially active than in the advancement of Education, and the diffusion of that species of learning that has now become necessary to the ordinary business of tradesmen, and the understanding and enjoyment of the rights of citizenship. -
Aware of the requirements of the times, the citizens and legislators of other states are seen making provi- sions for public schools when none have been in use before, and when systems of free schools have long been established, they are improving those systems to meet the advancement of science, and give to them practically all the beneficial features which their theory would seem to comprehend.
Some benefits have resulted to particular sections, from legislative provisions of local operation, and from the benevolent exertions of philanthropic individuals, but no general system has been adopted.
With a view of promoting the establishment of public schools this meeting has been called, and in a hope of pointing out the proper means of arriving at so desira- ble an end, it is
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, the means of education in Pennsylvania are wholly inade- quate to the wants of the people, and immeasurably be- hind the advantages which are enjoyed by the citizens of other states, while there is nothing in the peculiarity of our situation to warrant or excuse the disparity.
Resolved, That, recognizing the truth of the axiom that "knowledge is power," we are bound as republi- cans, to seek to procure for every class of the commu- nity, the necessary advantages of education, that "pow- er may not with knowledge" steal from the many to the few.
Resolved, That the Legislative delegation of the city and county of Philadelphia, be requested to use all constitutional means to procure the enactment of a law, authorising the establishment of schools by which every child in the state may obtain, at public expense, the solid branches of an English or German education.
Resolved, That this meeting recognize with satisfac- tion, the exertions of the friends of public schools in the last Legislature: and augur from their zeal and the evident improvement in public opinion, a successful is- sue to similar efforts.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to corres- pond with any member or members of the state Legis- lature, or with others who may be desirous to obtain or impart information on the subject of public schools.
In pursuance of the last resolution, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee of correspond- ence:
City.
B. W. Richards,
Joseph R. Chandler,
John Ashton, jr. Walter R Johnston,
M. M. Carll,
W. H. G'llingham,
Geo. M. Stroud,
Job R. Tyson,
James Page,
Antony Lausatt,
County. John C. Browne, John L Woolf, Adam Woelper,
Jesse Groves,
Wm. J. Young, John Thompson, jr. Joseph R. Bolton,
B. Matthias, W. G. Alexander, Samuel Harvey, Samuel Grice.
The meeting was addressed by Joseph R. Chandler, M. M. Carll, B. W. Richards, John Ashton, jr. Esq'rs. and by several other gentlemen.
On motion of Mr. Antony Lausatt, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of the meeting be ten- dered to B. W. Richards, Esq. for the able and impar- tial mannner in which he has presided over its delibera- tions.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
B. W. RICHARDS, Chairman.
SAMUEL GRICE, Vice Presidents.
JOHN L. WOOLF,
JAMES PAGE, 2 B. MATTHIAS, S
Secretaries.
REPORT Of one of the C'ommittees arising out of the late TOWN MEETING.
Your committee, "appointed to devise and recom- the people of the state of Pennsylvania, to the impor- tance of a system of Common Schools," beg leave to
Attempts have been made from time to time to intro- mend the most suitable mode of calling the attention of duce "into Pennsylvania some of those advantages that have distinguished and blessed her more favoured neighbours; hitherto this object has been unattaincd. | report,
1832.]
EDUCATION.
That they have taken the subject embraced in the above resolution, into the serious consideration which its importance demands.
Your committee will, in the first place, invite your at- tention to some of the more prominent facts as they now exist, in relation to this momentous subject of edu- cation.
The first well-authenticated fact, well calculated to startle every reflecting man in the commonwealth is, that Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of her sons and daughters, who are entirely destitute of the means of intellectual culture ! and thus, this great and flourishing state has a dark and portentous cloud of ig- norance and imbecility hanging over and obscuring her future prospects.
Second, That repeated memorials and petitions have been sent from different sections of the state, to the legislature, praying for a system of general educa- tion, adapted to her wants and necessities, but hitherto without any adequate result.
Third, That liberal provision has been granted to col- leges, academies, and the higher departments of learn- ing, whilst that for common schools, adapted to the ex- igencies of the great mass of the people, has been with- held, or at best imparted with a penurious and grudg- ing policy.
Fourth, That an extraordinary degree of supineness and in difference has hitherto prevailed among the peo- ple of this state upon this subject, and hence it has been regarded by the representatives as an unpopular mea- sure.
Fifth, That the circumstances of the state of Penn- sylvania are, in relation to this subject, peculiar; and this peculiarity arises out of the nature and character of her population: having a numerous and respectable class of Germans, speaking their own language, and from their industry and wealth, exercising no inconsiderable influence in the councils and measures of government.
Wisely and judiciously to meet this state of things, and to devise a plan which shall have a tendency to ob- viate the difficulty, appears to be the important duty as- signed your committee.
It is obvious that every measure of importance must emanate from the people; and that the legislature will not act, either on this or on any other subject, contra- ry to the the wishes of their constituents.
The editors of newspapers generally, throughout the state, are actuated by a similar spirit; (to this there are, no doubt, many honorahle exceptions, ) the course, then, to be pursued, is plain and manifest :- make the measure popular, and yet secure the talents and co-op- eration of both legislators and editors of public journals.
The course, then, to be pursued is, to make a dircet appeal to the people. Ilow is this to be done? is the question next to be considered.
The three following modes present themselves to your Committe, as the most likely to be attended with success. First, through the medium of the press, wherever accessible; second by calling puhlie meetings in different sections of the State; and, third, by an agent suitably qualified to address public assemblies, and make earnest appeals to the people, face to face.
First, through the medium of the Press. In order that this mode may be rendered effectual, well written communications addressed to the people, would be re- quired, bearing particularly upon the following points : The vast importance of education to man, in relation to his future state of existence; in relation to his individual, moral, and intellectual energies; and, in relation to his character and duty, as a citizen of a free and indepen- dent state.
In this way the people may be reached, they might be stimulated to exertion, and exhorted to follow the example of their brethren in other sections of the State, in call.ng public meetings, in which the subject might be discussed, and instructions sent to their delegates in the Legislature.
Both these means would be greatly facilitated by the presence and co-operation of an experienced and judi- cious agent or agents, who, by delivering public lectures, and well-timed addresses to the people, might diffuse light and information, and certainly enlist the feelings and approbation of the more influential and better in- formed portions of the community.
In addition to his addressing the public, it would be an important part of the duty of these agents to be pos- sessed of a knowledge of all the recent and valuable im- provements in elementary or primary instruction. They should have the requisite information, and be furnished with the means necessary for forming those infantile establishments on the most improved plan, in all the towns and populous villages, and, as a matter of econ- omy, should consider it as a part of their duty to qualify females to take charge of them.
What numbers of females are there in the country, who for a small salary, would willingly underaake the management of such a school !
And how many are there in easy circumstances, whose kind and benovolent feelings would prompt them to devote a part of their leisure in the fulfilment of such an exalted and delightful duty !
That this is not so fanciful as some, at first view, may be led to suppose, take the following fact:'one of your committee, during the last summer, in travelling to Pittsburg, passed the Fourth of July in one of the intermediate towns: In walking through town accom- panied by a young lady, daughter of a friend, our at- tention was attracted to a man lying on a bench in the sun, in a pitiable state of intoxication, on enquiry it proved to be the Schoolmaster of the Village! the only man in the town to whom was entrusted the morals and intellects of the rising generation !! This naturally led to a conversation on the subject of Infant Schools; one of your committee strongly recommended to the young lady, who he knew had sufficient leisure, to commence one in the town without delay; and at her request left the outline of a plan for the mode of con- ducting it. She said she would consult her female ac- quaintance, and seemed pleased with the benevolent idea of collecting the little children together, who were running wild about the houses, and of introducing something like order and improvement among them. Had it been consistent with other duties to remain a few days among them, to call the people together and address them in the spirit of affection and reason, can any one doubt the result ? A school of the little ne- glected children would have been formed in a week !
From this and other facts of a similar nature, your committee are confirmed in the opinion, that our ob- ject would be greatly facilitated by the three modes above suggested, 'were they put into simultaneous practice.
Your committee beg leave to conclude their report with the following reflection :-
The power of unlimited progressive improvement is a faculty peculiar to man, and one of those striking characteristics by which he is distinguished from the inferior orders of existence. The subordinate races of beings commence life with all the science and all the instincts necessary for their preservation, and for the purposes which they are designed to fulfil: but man comes into the world helpless, ignorant, and wholly un- able to provide for himself. He is at first impotent, but furnished with a latent, controlling power, which gives him dominion over every living thing, and forces even the elements to contribute to his will.
These communications should be written both in the English and German language, and for this purpose your committee would recommend that some philanthro- pic and enlightened German be sought out and added to our body, that we might thus avail ourselves of his la- He is at first ignorant, because capable of all know- bors and influence among those who speak his lan- / ledge; uninstructed by instinct, because his mind is guage.
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PHILADELPHIA LYING-IN CHARITY.
susceptible of boundless expansion, under the enlarg- ing influence of love, intelligence and reason.
Such is the nature of man !- can any labor be con- sidered too arduous, any sacrifices too great, in a cause wh ch is des gned to foster, to develope, and give a proper d.rection to talents and faculties so wonderful and so precious.
S.gned M. M. CARLL, SAML. GRICE, WM. J. YOUNG, B. MATTHIAS, .
-
Committee.
PHILADELPHIA LYING-IN CHARITY, For attending Indigent Females at their own Houses.
- Among the numerous objects that have excited the active charity of the benevolent and humane in this c.ty, it is rather matter of surprise that the urgent, anx- ious necessities of the indigent parturient female, have received so small a share of public attention. With a view to invite a portion of the munificence of the phi- lanthropist to the checrless residence of the lying-in female-to awaken in her behalf the tender sympa- thies of her own sex, and to secure professional attend- ance to such as are unable to compensate medical prac- titioners for their serv.ces at this trying period-THE PHILADELPHIA LYING-IN CHARITY, for attend ng indi- gent fe.alex at their mun hauses, has been established.
Institutions for the gratuitous accommodation of ly- ing- n women, are common in the large cities of Eu- rope, and they have been justly esteemed among the pr.mary objects for the exercise of benevolence. Nor have the inhabitants of Ph ladelphia been altogether unmindful of the interests and comforts of that necessi- tous class of the female commun ty, whose interesting situation claims the fostering care of the humane: the Pennsylvania Hospital has, for a series of years, afford- ed a comfortable sojourn for a limited number of the necess tous married lying-in females, and many have ava.led themselves of its bounty; the Lying-in Ward of the Ph.ladelph a Alms House Infirmary, an institution supported at the public expense, has also been the friendly asylum of thousands who, but for its existence, must have undergone much severe suffering, arising from indigence, and risk of l.fe from incompetent attendants; the several Dispensaries, too, of the city and its Liber- ties, are institutions wh ch, for many years, have ex- tended their charitable medical care and attendance to in l.gent lying-în females.
The accommodations at the Pennsylvania Hospital, litnited as they are to a very small number, are closed against such females as cannot first provide for the care and support of the ch ldren they may have already de- pendent on their attention. The children cannot be admitted with the mother, and to provide for their wel- fare during her absence, if at all practicable, may re- quire an expense beyond her means.
At the Alms House Infirmary, a d'fficulty not easi- ly removed, also occurs: the ch ldren must first be pro- vided for by the parent; or, if admitted with the mo- ther, they are separated from her, turned into the com- mon herd, where her control cannot reach, and where they are deprived of parent's watchful eye, at that tender age when most required.
There is also another circumstance which must limit in some degree the benefits of these public institutions to females. However extensive and complete may be the advantages afforded to a large number who can conveniently enter them, yet there will always exist no small number whose reluctance to lying-in in a public institution is so great, that rather than consent, they will undergo the greatest suffering and inconvenience at home. This may arise from various causes-such as a separation from their friends-the dread of supposed experiments, and the fear of a public exposure of their dependence upon charitable institutions,
We cannot omit mentioning what is of very serious importance, and which shows in a strong light the no- cessity of establishing some general : rrangement by which ind'gent females can obtain with certainty, the professional aid of competent and instructed physicians. We allude to the large number of still-born ch.ldren which appears in almost every wer kly b Il of mortality. It is to be feared that many of these cases have been the result of ignorance or temerity on the part of in- competent attendants, where. delicacy, under straitened circumstances, may have prevented the employment of well instructed practioners.
With regard to the application of the charity of this as- sociation, great care w.ll be taken to discriminate be- tween the deserving and the undeserving. Its benefits w.ll be confined exclusively to those who are indigent, necessitous, and unable to command professional attend- ance. Our object is not to encourage inactivity, and improvidence, but to mitigate the unavoidable suffering incident by nature to the feebler portion of the human family, and to furnish some of the cheering comforts re- quired, and which the individuals cannot possibly pro- cure. We need not name the particular causes that may render the application of this charity necessary, such as long continued sickness in a family-a want of employment in the inclement season of our climate-the worthlessness of some husbands- unavoidable ill success in bus ness, &c. such cases are known to exist and very extensively.
True charity administers to the wants of indigence in whatever form they may appear, and wherever found; nor shrinks from affording relief, let the cause have been what it may.
In this character it is expected the Philadelphia Ly- ing-in Charity will appear; willing to extend its pecul ar aid to every case of helpless ind gence, and our sincere wish is, that it may prove extensively useful, in addition to the means already employed for diffusing among the indi gent an increased degree of comfort and happiness.
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